Leafs preseason spotlighted a roster puzzle: replace Marner’s impact without sacrificing depth, with Machelli nudging into a top-six role and young players like Marella or Robertson pushing for ice time. Waivers and bottom-line moves loom as Toronto braces for opening night under cap pressures. Across the Atlantic, Ottawa pushes for toughness and Montreal leans into grit, while Florida and Tampa Bay remain proven threats.

Detroit’s pace and the West’s hierarchy—Colorado, Vegas and Dallas—set the broader tone for a season where depth, speed, and go-to scorers decide outcomes. The cap talks, long-term deals and franchise cash flows color every decision, underscoring how the game increasingly hinges on financial strategy as much as on ice.

Fantasy implications swirl around which Leafs emerge as reliable depth producers and whether Robertson or Doy can leap into consistent roles. For Ottawa and Montreal, values live in bottom-six grit and unexpected scorers. In the West, the balance of star power and depth depth-shaping moves will determine playoff odds well into spring.

NHL's 2025 top-25 blends proven stars with budding stars and splits the difference between regular-season dominance and playoff pedigree. Panarin’s drop sparks debate about whether goals alone outrun clutch moments, while Hedman, Slavin and Heiskanen anchor a defense-first core that could tilt where players land this season.

FanDuel’s top-10 Cup odds spark a season-long debate across the league. Jets need more offensive pop, Leafs must replace Marner’s production while relying on a sturdy, if aging, defense and goaltending, Devils face health questions, and Hurricanes’ high-velocity game must translate to deep playoff runs. Panthers must survive Barkov’s absence, Avalanche depth is tested, Vegas stays elite if healthy, Lightning face aging concerns, Dallas must finally push through conference finals, and Edmonton’s bid hinges on goaltending and McDavid’s contract.